Miami-Dade Pushes Bus Transit into the Future

A shift toward electrification is happening in Miami-Dade County, FL. Many existing bus maintenance facilities are unable to meet the energy needs of 100 new, 60-ft. electric buses that the county intends to activate. To that end, CDM Smith is providing construction, engineering and inspection (CEI) services for Miami-Dade to build a brand-new transit center that will not only meet the upcoming energy demands but add additional storage and new features like rapid charging. 

Miami-Dade is the State of Florida’s largest county, serving nearly 3 million citizens. Like many other communities around the world, the county has launched a Climate Action Strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and improve the overall health and wellbeing of its citizens. As part of that goal, the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) has embarked on a 3-year project to deliver an innovative Transit Operations Center (TOC).

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners approved the construction of “the most modern, state-of-the-art, and efficient bus operations facility in the public transportation industry.” This innovative transit facility will house and maintain 100 articulated battery-electric buses. The location will help in providing better service in this rapidly growing area. 

CDM Smith’s CEI Team will provide on-site inspections for the construction activities, sampling and testing of materials, and engineering services. In addition, the CEI Team will track grant and utility agreements for the entirety of the project. 

“CDM Smith is exceptionally proud to partner with Miami-Dade County in the transition of its transit fleet to clean energy. This is the perfect example of how best to serve our communities: provide a safe, energy efficient public transportation system with state-of-the-art support facilities.“ said Jenny Humphreys, AICP, CDM Smith’s Transportation Practice Leader for the Southeastern United States. 

The project features a variety of components beyond the e-bus charging system. These include a multi-level parking structure, a pedestrian bridge, a drive-through wash facility and advanced fire protection systems. The TOC will also include training rooms, wellness center, showers, and lockers, bus operators room, maintenance crew room, and an Information Technology room. 

On June 25, 2024, the official ground-breaking ceremony was held for the South Dade Transit Operations Center. This modern and efficient facility will support rapid population growth in Miami-Dade as well as resiliency and sustainability goals.

Construction is underway now, and the county expects to deliver a brand-new transit facility to support a new fleet of 100 electric buses by Summer 2026.